Accounts Payable Analyst

Career Guide

An Accounts Payable Analyst manages and improves the process of paying vendors. They review invoices, ensure approvals and coding are correct, resolve payment issues, and help the business pay accurately and on time. The role blends detail-focused work with problem solving and teamwork across Finance, Procurement, and operations.

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Key Responsibilities

Review vendor invoices for accuracy and completeness
Match invoices to purchase orders and receiving records
Validate account coding and cost center allocation
Route invoices for approval and track approval status
Process payments by check, electronic transfer, or virtual card
Respond to vendor inquiries and resolve payment disputes
Reconcile vendor statements and research differences
Handle employee expense reports and policy checks
Support month end close with accruals and reporting
Identify process issues and recommend improvements
Help maintain vendor records and payment terms
Support audits with documentation and evidence collection

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail

Communication

Time Management

Problem Solving

Customer Service

Microsoft Excel

Invoice Processing

Three Way Matching

Vendor Management

Payment Processing

Accounts Payable Controls

ERP Systems

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Accounts Payable Analyst

Accounts Payable Lead

Accounts Payable Supervisor

Accounts Payable Manager

Procure to Pay Analyst

Financial Analyst

Transition Opportunities

General Ledger Accountant

Payroll Analyst

Procurement Analyst

Treasury Analyst

Internal Audit Analyst

Finance Operations Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Advanced Microsoft ExcelERP SystemsRoot Cause AnalysisAccounts Payable ControlsVendor Statement ReconciliationProcess ImprovementMonth End Close SupportWritten Documentation

Development SuggestionsBuild stronger reporting skills in Excel, learn one major ERP system used in your target industry, and practice structured issue resolution for invoice and payment exceptions. Ask to own a recurring reconciliation, document the process, and propose one measurable improvement that reduces rework or speeds approvals.

Market Intelligence Report

Accounts Payable Analyst is part of the Accounting category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level45,000 to 60,000 USD

Mid Level60,000 to 80,000 USD

Senior Level80,000 to 105,000 USD

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Many teams are modernizing payables through automation, which increases the need for analysts who can handle exceptions, improve processes, and support controls.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

AccentureDeloitteIBMAmazonWalmartUnitedHealth GroupJPMorgan ChaseBoeingPepsiCoTarget

Industry Sectors

Business ServicesManufacturingRetailHealthcareFinancial ServicesTechnologyTransportationEnergyGovernmentEducation

Recommended Next Steps

Strengthen Excel skills with pivot tables, lookup functions, and clean reporting formats

Learn the end to end procure to pay process and where common errors occur

Practice clear vendor communication that documents actions and next steps

Ask to support month end close tasks such as accrual support and reconciliations

Create a simple dashboard that tracks aging, exceptions, and cycle time

Review company payment policies and controls to understand risk points

Update your resume with measurable outcomes such as invoice volume and on time payment rate